Saturday, Dec 15: Jackstraw 9:30 p.m. – Fast pickin’ bluegrass masters. Jackstraw formed in 1997 when rhythm guitarist Darrin Craig and lead player Jon Neufeld met mandolin picker David Pugh and bassist Jesse Withers at Artichoke Music in Portland. Five records and 14 years later, the band has toured throughout the United States, playing roadhouses, clubs, listening rooms and festivals. Most recently, Jackstraw brought on local star banjo player Cory Goldman (Water Tower Bucket Boys). The addition of Goldman’s blazing-hot, funky banjo lines has added even more depth to the band’s sound.

‘Congo - Grand Inga’ film Dec. 21

Join Columbia Center for the Arts and Kayak Shed on Friday, Dec. 21, as they present “Congo - The Grand Inga Project.” Doors will open at 7 p.m., some short films will be shown at 7:30 p.m. with the main feature starting at 8 p.m. “Congo” is an 80-minute documentary of the epic first descent of the world’s biggest rapids, thundering down the final pitch of the mighty Congo River.

Legendary kayaker Steve Fisher and his elite expedition team battle seemingly insurmountable obstacles as they navigate the maddening politics of a broken Central African country and face their own worst fears in an attempt to be the first explorers to survive the Inga Rapids.

No effort is spared in telling the story of what really happens when you decide to take on the deadliest rapids on earth. Steve Fisher will be on hand for question-and-answer following the film. Tickets are $12 in advance and available at Columbia Center for the Arts, Kayak Shed and online at http://fishmunga.

ticketleap.com/hoodriver/

Jazz Theater at The Pines

The Hood River Jazz Theater will play a Christmas show of happy, danceable vocal jazz, classic Christmas tunes, swing, blues, and Latin tunes at The Pines Tasting Room on Sunday, Dec. 16, from 2-5 p.m. The Pines Tasting Room, 202 State St., Hood River; 541-993-8301.

Lolo Motion at 301 Gallery

Come hear impressionistic “Euroamericana” music at The Gallery 301 starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, as Lolo Motion with be on full display at 301 Gallery in Hood River. Many three-and-four part harmonies will be threaded into a great selection of originals and covers — plus, the holiday spirits will be alive with traditional songs for everyone to sing.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, from 4-6 p.m., there will be a holiday sing-along at the Bingen Theater in Bingen, Wash., featuring musicians Kerry Williams, Molly Lahr-Schwarz and Victor Johnson. This is a benefit for WGAP (Klickitat Food Banks), a cash donation of $10 per family and $5 per individual is suggested. Don’t miss out on this annual family event. Jingle bells welcome!

Snowboard film screens Dec. 14

MonsterHutch.com will present the snowboard video premiere of Jeremy Jones’ “Further: The Journey Is the Reward,” on Friday, Dec. 14, at the Waucoma Club, 207 Cascade Ave., Hood River. The show will start at 6 p.m. for all ages, with the Hood River Valley High School snowboard team presenting, and again at 9:30 p.m. for those 21 and over. Admission is two to four cans of food to benefit the FISH Food Bank.

“The Groove Project Grooves Christmas” promises a family-friendly evening of great music and great friends performing holiday standards with a jazzy, funky, soulful twist including: Silent Night, Go Tell it on the Mountain, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Santa Claus is coming to Town, Do You Hear What I Hear and more.

Music, more at Clock Tower

Here are the Clock Tower Ales Events for December:

Dec. 13, 20, 27 — Trivia night at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 11, 23, 30 — 15 Minutes of Fame at 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 — Dave Tallam at 8 p.m.

Dec. 21 — Holiday Family Sing Along at 7 p.m.

Dec. 28 — Music from Maiden NW at 9 p.m. (Iron Maiden tribute band)

Clocktower Ales, 311 Union St., The Dalles; 541-296-2602.

Logsdon Ales pour at Volcanic Bottle Shop

Dave Logsdon and Charles Porter of Logsdon Farmhouse Ales will be at Volcanic Bottle Shop Dec. 15 from 4-7 p.m. with samples of their award-winning Belgian-style beers, including the long-awaited return of World Beer Cup gold medal winner Peche ‘n Brett.

Logsdon and Porter will also be pouring Oak Aged Bretta, Cerasus, Far West Vlaming, and the Seizeon Bretta Great American Beer Festival gold medal winner

Their first collaboration beer with Bison Brewing, Cocoa Bretta, will be on tap.

All beers will be available for purchase along with gift packs, which include a glass and bottle opener.